When I as pregnant, the advice started rolling in when I was about 15-weeks-pregnant. It was surprising how quickly in the pregnancy, and promptly in most any interaction, people felt compelled to share little words of wisdom.

For me, this well-intentioned tally included the lady behind me at the bank, the cashier at T.J. Maxx, the sweet elderly redhead who sat beside me on the plane, and the fresh-faced girl in the Victoria Secret Pink hoodie who had an adorable child on each of her non-existent hips while standing in line next to me at the smoothie place.

Though this lot was usually lovely, and their words were often cushioned by excitement and encouragement, much of the pregnancy advice out there is cliché, overwhelming, inapplicable (for whatever reason), or even, sometimes, downright depressing. But, I did receive some gems from some of the wonderful women in my life, which I would love to share with you…

3. “Especially once you hit the third trimester, play the pregnancy card whenever you damn please. Company picnic you’ve been dreading? Don’t go! Three loads of laundry to conquer? One’s good enough! Bought groceries but used all of your energy loading them into the fridge? Time for take out!”— Sarah L., a mother of four (this chick knows what’s up!)

4. “Grow out your hair. You’ll be able to style it in pretty ways when you’re feeling otherwise frumpy, and ponytails are better than bobs once you have an infant.” — Jackie F., my wise and mane-savvy hair stylist and mother to the cutest, petite blonde around

5. “Prepare yourself for this already: You will not always, or maybe even often, be popular with your children. You’ll have to make tough decisions. You’ll have to protect them from things they don’t yet understand. Do it anyway. Keep your friends, and don’t rely on your kids to always understand you. It won’t happen, nor do you actually need it to.” — Melissa H., a lovely mom extraordinaire (who’s now got teens, if you can’t tell!)

7. “Name your baby whatever the hell you want and do not care an iota about what anyone – other than your partner – may think of it. Seriously. This is YOUR child’s name. Who cares if it’s popular or offbeat or strange or rhymes with something that someone could potentially, eventually, maybe turn into a playground taunt. Love it and own it and screw the haters.” — Jenny O., who maaaaay be speaking from experience that hits a little too close to home

8. “Don’t sweat the whole ‘I’ll likely poop during delivery’ thing, because I think most of us do, and who could blame us?” — Katie R., a friend (Love this lady. Like loooove her.)

10. “You’re embarking on a beautiful, sublime, incredibly challenging chapter of your life. Be kind to yourself, be kind to your partner, and soak it in. Someday, the stresses and imperfections of this demanding time will make you smile. Why not allow it to make you smile as it unfolds in real time?” — Becca T., a dear writer friend and mother of two (I’m keeping this one in my pocket.)

Abbey Cleland writes fiction, TV, film, and essays. Her work’s appeared on Lifetime, Hallmark Movie Channel, and PixL networks, while she continues to write, develop, and consult for other production companies and studios. One of her romantic comedies is currently in pre-production, with plans for a theatrical release. In 2014, she completed an MFA in Fiction. Her master’s thesis, an upmarket women’s comedic novel, is being considered for publication.

Abbey’s a big believer in the power of purposeful words, as well as brunch, Belvedere Vodka, and espresso. When she isn’t writing, reading, watching baseball, or contemplating if she can muster the energy for Pilates, Abbey’s soaking up time with her much-adored husband, Anthony, or feline office mate, Louisa May Al-Cat. She's also very much looking forward to becoming a mom in July 2015. Follow Abbey on her website, as well as Facebook and Instagram.